The animal washed ashore just before 5 p.m., and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society urged beachgoers to keep 150 feet from the animal, saying that even though it is deceased, it could still be unsafe in its location and condition.

"We are working with local officials to respond to a deceased humpback whale that washed up this evening in Long Beach," the agency said on Facebook. "A plan will be put into action tomorrow morning."

According to PIX11 News, the AMCS said that the whale was seen floating near a wrecked ship a week ago badly decomposed.

Newsday reported that the Department of Environmental Conservation, Town of Hempstead, City of Long Beach and U.S. Coast Guard are monitoring the whale overnight, and that officials plan to remove the whale by 7 a.m. Saturday following a necropsy and will determine a site where it will be buried.

The AMCS urged residents to report any sightings of dead or distressed marine animals to the NYS Stranding Hotline at (631) 369-9829.